H&R .308 accurracy question

[diego naveira]

Hi buddies,
 
Yesterday I tested two different loads for my H&R .308
1) 150 grains Hornady Spirepoint bullet, 44 grains R15 and Federal 210 primers.
2) 180 grains Remington Corelockt bullet, 40 grains R15 and Federal 210 primers.
 
The seccuence was the folowing:
Started with the 150 bullets loads. First two shots in half an inch at 150 yards. Less than a minute between them. Then shot two other shots in less than a minute and the group moved high to the left 3 inches away from the first group but grouping in an inch. Waited 5 minutes and shot a fift round and hit in the very same hole of one in the first group.
 
With the 180 grains bullet loads, happened more or les the same but instead of groups of less than an inch, obteined inch and a half ones (allways shooting at 150 yards and shooting without to much waiting but in the last round)
 
Looking at this facts I understood that my rifle groups better with 150 grain bullets and that I should wait about 3-5 minutes between shots.
 
Questions:
Are the loads capable of being increased regarding the H&R actions arenīt as strong as bolt actions?
Has anyone experienced these group movements while shooting without letting the barrell to get cold?
Is there something to be done to avoid group movements?
 
I know it is not a target rifle and that while hunting, specially whit a single shot rifle, barrel will always be shooting cold, but... you know, if something can be done, Iīd like to fix it.
 
Thank you.
 
Diego Naveira

[quickdtoo]

Back to basics, Handi Basics 101 that is.... try it without the forend as recommended, if the groups don't open up or change POI, you know you have to work on the forend which is well covered in the FAQs. Target below is two 3-shot, 100yd groups, ―gr difference in the two loads, all shot back to back  about as fast as I could reload my 308 Win bull barrel(Survivor barrel) Ultra.

Tim

[necchi]

 I have a few handis, not as many as some but the heating/cold shot vrs hot is a little different with each gun.
 As Tim stated forearm work msy help,(it has with mine)
 
 About the loading issue, the Handi will handle normal loading techniques just fine, your cases will show pressure signs, or you'll have trouble with primers as with any bolt rifle. Just keep your loads within normal saftey ranges as you would with any gun and you'll be fine.

[sr sawyer]

When working up loads for any rifle I always wait at least five minutes or more (depending on outside temparture) between shots to find the load that shoots the best.  For hunting rifles, after I find the load that shoots best I fire two shots (bang, bang) to see where the second shot hits compared to the first.
 
The two shots back to back are to see where the bullet will be just in case a quick follow up shot is needed.  My rifles will shoot the second shot within 1 MOA of the first but the third(bang,bang,bang) is usaully 2 MOA or more in slim barrel rifles.  Barrel heat definetly will change POI.
 
Ken

[Default_Required]

Had a ruger 300 win mag that would group 2 moa @ 100 for the first 4 shots then with barrel warm to hot, keep going and watch the groups go MOA @ 100 .. The old mini 14s come to mind as the perfect testament of how a warm barrel can open groups up to the point that it looks like you have been peppering a target with buck shot. Savage 308 i have with a sporting contour will consistantly hold an unusually tight grouping even as the barrel temp. increases to branding levels. Guns are funny birds just like us go figure.
Of the handis i have had , Some were more effected by barrel temps then others. The heavy barrel 223 probably being the best at remaining uneffected by hot barrel. 243 youth model with the 20" barrel being the worst.

[diego naveira]

Due to heavy rainy weather couldīt go to the range this weekend. But have my loads prepared for the next one. As I test them, Iīll let you know.
Thank to you all for your comments and reccomendations.
Diego Naveira